Easter lunch in Croatia now costs this much more than a few years ago

(Photo credit: Klemen Brumec/Public domain license)

With Easter just around the corner, many Croatian households are feeling the pressure as the cost of living continues to rise. Food prices have seen a steady increase over recent years, and this festive season is no exception.

According to union calculations, even the most modest Easter lunch last year cost around €116, while more lavish spreads reached nearly €400.

This year, the situation has worsened, with a recent analysis by Index.hr showing that prices for common Easter items have surged again.

Food Never More Expensive

The analysis looked at 10 popular Easter items from the same brands and weights across six years, starting from 2020.

This year, the total cost of these 10 items hit €27.64 – the highest so far – marking a 14.3% jump compared to 2024.

In 2020, the same basket of goods cost €22.25. Prices steadily increased year after year, with 2023 and 2024 averaging around €24.

Now, the leap to nearly €28 shows just how much more Croatians are paying.

Some of the biggest price hikes were found in everyday items. A bundle of spring onions rose from €0.66 to €0.89, while a 1kg pack of French salad – a holiday staple – is now €2.15 more expensive than in 2020, a 60% increase.

Image by timolina on Freepik

Compared to last year alone, green salad has jumped in price by 81%, with similar increases seen in young onions.

Eggs and cheese are also more expensive, costing €0.50 more than last year, despite government-imposed price limits. Meanwhile, chocolate eggs – which peaked in price during 2021 and 2022 – are now back to their 2020 price levels, Index.hr revealed. 

With inflation still high and no major drop in food prices on the horizon, many families are opting for simpler Easter meals, often choosing cheaper ingredients or waiting for supermarket discounts ahead of the holiday. 

Ham

Last year, the NHS (Croatian Trade Union Association) broke down Easter food spending into three categories: modest, medium, and rich. These were based on meat and fish types, sweets, drinks, and the origin and quality of products.

The most basic basket cost €116, while the most luxurious reached €395.

Prices of Grocery Items (2020–2025) in EUR

• Ham, 1 kg
2020: 5.57
2021: 5.31
2022: 5.31
2023: 6.19
2024: 6.49
2025: 6.79

• French Salad, 1 kg
2020: 3.84
2021: 3.83
2022: 4.64
2023: 5.29
2024: 5.29
2025: 5.99

• Eggs, 10-pack, Medium Size
2020: 1.06
2021: 1.59
2022: 1.33
2023: 1.99
2024: 1.29
2025: 1.79

• Fresh Cheese, 375g
2020: 2.19
2021: 2.19
2022: 2.25
2023: 2.25
2024: 2.59
2025: 2.99

• Gouda Cheese, 1 kg
2020: 6.63
2021: 7.30
2022: 5.97
2023: 6.01
2024: 5.99
2025: 6.49

• Young Potatoes, 1 kg
2020: 0.58
2021: 0.53
2022: 0.60
2023: 0.66
2024: 0.49
2025: 0.69

• Green Salad, 1 piece
2020: 0.40
2021: 0.40
2022: 0.70
2023: 0.59
2024: 0.49
2025: 0.89

• Spring Onion, 1 bunch
2020: 0.66
2021: 0.66
2022: 0.61
2023: 0.53
2024: 0.49
2025: 0.89

• Radishes, 1 bunch
2020: 0.66
2021: 0.66
2022: 0.73
2023: 0.45
2024: 0.39
2025: 0.46

• Chocolate Eggs, 1 kg (bulk)
2020: 0.66
2021: 0.80
2022: 0.80
2023: 0.60
2024: 0.65
2025: 0.66